The railway in Scotland connects the most important cities and numerous towns. Train tickets are relatively inexpensive. Passenger trains in Scotland are operated by Scotrail. There are also several heritage railways operating in Scotland – some of them are world-famous. Train travel in Scotland is an adventure – stunning landscapes, lakes, castles and moors, friendly atmosphere. Don’t miss the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the scenic West Highland Line (Fort William – Mallaig).
Last updated: 06.02.2024
Train travel in Scotland – regular passenger services
Regular rail passenger services throghout Scotland are operated by Scotrail. The company runs trains between Scotland’s largest cities. The rolling stock is typical for most regional British railway operators – the diesel multiple units don’t look very nice.
Scotrail offers several tickets for an inexpensive travel by train around Scotland. These tickets do not need to be purchased in advance before arriving in Scotland. Promotional tickets and passes are inexpensive, making train travel in Scotland relatively cheap.
Useful websites:
Scotrail – official website, search engine, additional information.
National Rail – search engine and e-shop for trains between Scotland and England.
Most popular routes:
Edinburgh – Glasgow
Edinburgh – Aberdeen
Edinburgh – Inverness
Glasgow – Mallaig (through Glenfinnan Viaduct)
Glasgow – Ayr
Glasgow – Kilmarnock
Glasgow – Inverness
Train travel in Scotland – the best offers
Spirit of Scotland – a travel pass that allows to make an unlimited number of journeys on Scotrail trains, selected ferries and selected buses for the duration of the ticket validity. Two types of ticket are available: valid for 4 selected days within a period of 8 consecutive days and valid for 8 consecutive days. The ticket entitles you to a 20% discount on a ferry trip to the Shetland and Orkney Islands.
Central Scotland Rover – a ticket allowing you to make an unlimited number of off-peak journeys between Glasgow and Edinburgh on 3 consecutive days. You can use this ticket on the Glasgow SPT Subway.
Highland Rover – a travel pass allowing to travel in the Scottish Highlands on four selected days over a period of eight consecutive days. Valid mainly on railway lines north of Glasgow and Aberdeen. It is also valid on selected ferries.
Scottish Grand Tour – a travel pass allowing you to travel on the entire Scotrail network, but only during off-peak hours and in one direction – clockwise or anti clockwise. Therefore, it is not useful if you have a starting point, for example in Aberdeen, and after a one-day trip you intend to return there for an overnight stay. With a Scottish Grand Tour ticket you can travel on 4 selected days within 8 consecutive days from the first day of your trip.
Rail & Sail – combined train and ferry ticket. Available to Shetland, Orkney, Outer Hebrides and Belfast.
Scotrail – additional information, prices, conditions.
In addition, several other operators are launching long-distance trains from Scotland to England.
Train travel in Scotland – heritage railways
The list of the most important tourist railways (standard gauge and narrow gauge) in Scotland. Due to the very large number of active railways, the list does not include miniature railways running on very short routes and railway museums (I will write a separate article about these railway). The list is not complete. The data comes from the official websites. Ticket prices may vary on days when the railway is opened for certain events, festivals, etc.
Alford Valley Railway – the first narrow gauge passenger railway in Scotland with a gauge of 610 mm (according to the official website). It runs on weekends from the end of March to the third weekend of September from Alford station, through the golf course, to Haughton Park station on a route of approximately 1,400 meters. Trains depart every 40 minutes. In July and August, trains run every day.
Alford Valley Railway – official website
Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway – vintage train rides along the eight-kilometer route from Bo’ness to Manuel. Trains run on weekends and selected days from the end of March to the end of October and in December. In July and August, the railway is open almost every day. The one-way journey takes 25 minutes. The nearest ScotRail station is Linlithgow, from where there is a bus service to Bo’ness.
Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway – official website
Caledonian Railway – a popular tourist railway from Brechin to Bridge of Dun (6.4km). Usually trains run every weekend in June, July and November and on selected days. On Saturdays, trains are hauled by a diesel engine run, and on Sundays, by a steam locomotive. The line was closed to passenger traffic in 1952 and to freight traffic in 1981.
Caledonian Railway – official website
Jacobite Steam Train – a famous and very popular excursion train composed of a steam locomotive and vintage carriage. It runs on the line with regular passenger services from Fort William to Mallaig (66 km). It is one of the most beautiful railway lines in Great Britain – along the way the train passes mountains, rivers, picturesque villages. There are photo stops along the way.
Jacobite Steam Train – official website
Keith and Dufftown Railway – rides on old diesel multiple units between the Keith and Dufftown. Keith station is approximately 1200 meters from ScotRail station. The length of the railway route is approximately 16 kilometers. The one-way journey takes 48 minutes, with a stop at Drummuir. Trains usually run on Saturdays and Sundays from April to the end of September. Britain’s most northerly heritage railway.
Keith and Dufftown Railway – official website
Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway – narrow gauge railway from Leadhills to Glengonnar. Trains run on weekends from April to the last weekend in September. The route is approximately 1,100 meters long. Located in the hills. Rides may sometimes be canceled due to weather conditions.
Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway – official website
Royal Deeside Railway – a vintage train rides on a very short route along the River Dee at Milton of Crathes. The length of the line is approximately 1,400 meters and the return journey takes 15-20 minutes. The trains run mainly on weekends.
Royal Deeside Railway – official website
Strathspey Steam Railway – steam train rides from Aviemore to Broomhill (approx. 15.5 km). The railway runs on selected days from March to the end of October and on selected days in winter season, usually 3-4 times a week, in July and August, trips run every day. The one-way journey takes 45 minutes.
Strathspey Steam Railway – official website
Related articles:
Train travel in Great Britain
The best heritage railways in England
The best narrow gauge railways in England
The best scenic railways in England
